Costello denies bid for comeback

Former treasurer
Peter Costello
has denied having a conversation with Victorian Liberal stalwart
Michael Kroger
about returning to federal parliament as an MP.

The ABC’s 7.30 program last night reported Mr Costello had spoken with Mr Kroger in Melbourne before Christmas last year about the former treasurer Mr Costello making a comeback to politics, after retiring in 2009.

Mr Costello was said to be “bored and frustrated" and regretted his decision to retire, especially as Tony Abbott is likely to become prime minister at the next election.

Mr Costello asked Mr Kroger if he could take the safe Liberal seat of Kooyong in Melbourne, now held by former banker
Josh Frydenberg
, the ABC reported.

But he was rebuffed, and Mr Kroger reportedly suggested Mr Costello to contest his old Melbourne seat of Higgins, held by his former staffer,
Kelly O’Dwyer
, who won the seat in the pre-selection triggered by Mr Costello’s resignation in 2009.

Ms O’Dwyer was recently pre-selected for the seat and Mr Costello did not run against her.

Earlier this year, Mr Costello was rejected by the Gillard government to chair the $73 billion Future Fund.

Sydney businessman and Gillard government education adviser
David Gonski
was instead chosen for the coveted role.